OCtober 25, 2025
There is a very clear link between changes in the weather and headache, and it is seen most often in people who suffer from migraine and tension-type headache. Changes in the atmosphere can affect the working of the blood vessels in the brain, the nervous system and the hormonal balance.
The factors that have the greatest effect are these:
Changes in air pressure. A fall or rise in barometric pressure causes the blood vessels of the brain to widen or narrow. This in turn creates the conditions for pain to develop. Cases of headache increase particularly on days when the pressure changes suddenly.
Changes in temperature. Cold weather narrows the blood vessels, while warm weather widens them. These changes affect the circulation of blood in the brain and the mechanism of pain. In some people, hot and humid weather triggers migraine more often.
Humidity and air currents. High humidity and wind can make a headache worse, particularly on days when the electrical charge in the atmosphere rises.
Oxygen levels. When air pressure falls, the amount of oxygen also drops slightly. This reduces the delivery of oxygen to the brain and can cause pain.
To protect yourself from weather-related headaches, the body should be kept in as stable an environment as possible. Making sure there is fresh air indoors, drinking enough fluid and not disrupting your sleep routine help to prevent these episodes.
If a headache appears regularly whenever the weather changes, this may be a sign of a predisposition to migraine, and in such cases it is sensible to see a neurologist.